Search Results for: helicopters

Defence and Security

02 October 2025

NLR collaborates with Airbus on Caracal Helicopters

Royal NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to innovate a preventive maintenance strategy supporting the new H225M Caracal helicopters purchased by the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The agreement is part of a broader Industrial Participation Agreement between the Commissariat for Military Production (CMP) of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Airbus Helicopters.

Platform Technology

25 February 2025

Ship-helicopter operational limitations

NLR can help optimise the aerodynamics of a ship's superstructure to reduce exhaust gas nuisance above the flight deck, ensuring a safer and more efficient operating environment. We can also support the integration of air operations early in the ship design phase, ensuring optimal operational capabilities on small vessels or frigates, while prioritising flight safety. Additionally, our expertise enables us to determine Ship-Helicopter Operational Limits (SHOL), providing valuable insights to maximise safety and performance.

SHOL: Landing of NH90 Helicopter at sea
Defence and Security

15 December 2023

Landing a helicopter safely at sea

The Dutch Ship Helicopter Operational Limitations (SHOL) test methodology assists successful NH90 sea trials on board a German naval support vessel. It offers an effective approach to exploring operational capability for maritime operations involving naval helicopters.

Maintenance and Repair

16 June 2025

Joint development by NLR and PhotonFirst for real-time condition monitoring of helicopters

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and PhotonFirst jointly announce the development of an innovative SHUMS solution (Structural Health and Usage Monitoring System) for helicopters. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced monitoring technologies for the aerospace sector with real-time monitoring of structural loads and fatigue during flight.

Sustainability and Environment

13 June 2024

The NORAH2 project helps predict noise nuisance of rotorcraft

Just like other large moving transport vehicles, helicopters and drones produce noise. To reduce nuisance for people in surrounding areas NLR actively researches reducing noise at the source, for example by designing silent propellers. Equally important, is the capability to predict noise of rotorcraft to regulate and ensure people do not experience excessive hindrance due to operations. When it comes to fixed wing planes, trains or cars, established tools are readily available to predict noise levels. For rotorcraft, however, tools are lagging behind. The NORAH project fills this gap for (local) authorities to perform noise impact assessments.